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Kenneth Booth

STORY HOMES AND STORY CONTRACTING DONATE OVER £28,000 TO MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY MIND

Kenneth Booth October 26, 2020

Story Homes and Story Contracting have joined forces to raise more than £28,000 for mental health charity Mind. Over the past two years, the companies selected Mind as their charity partner, with all staff and business fundraising going to this worthwhile organisation. Staff across the two businesses carried out various fundraising activities to raise money for

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What does the future of green housing look like?

Kenneth Booth October 26, 2020

With greater societal focus on the issue of climate change, the pressure is on governments, businesses and other key decision makers to react and introduce initiatives that will contribute towards a greener planet. The UK government, for its part, has taken steps to address the impact our lifestyles have on

Read More »

Top 5 Applications of Tempered Glass That Homeowners Love Most

Kenneth Booth October 26, 2020

Toughened glass is a great material to incorporate into your home interior. It provides any living space with the same visual appeal and elegance as standard glass, plus the added safety benefits. In addition to that, it’s incredibly versatile and suits a large range of uses, from home furniture to

Read More »

Quick Guide to Buying a Fixer-Upper in Australia

Kenneth Booth October 26, 2020

A fixer-upper can be an excellent compromise for people who want control over their home design but lack time to build from scratch. An added benefit is that it gives you the option of moving into a neighborhood you prefer. Additionally, a fixer-upper sells for a much lower price than

Read More »

UK sales of £1m-plus homes jump

Kenneth Booth October 25, 2020

Sales of £1m-plus homes have surged since lockdown as affluent buyers look for more space and lifestyle change, with two-thirds more deals agreed in the past four months than in the same period last year. An average of 868 £1m-plus sales have been agreed each week since the beginning of

Read More »

How To Find The Right Psychologist.

Kenneth Booth October 25, 2020

What do you do when you want to improve your inner self? Visiting a psychologist is a great way to help you deal with some of the problems that you are facing in life. Life is never a straight line. Every single day you will have to face challenges, some

Read More »

Innovative modular housing scheme completes in Lincolnshire

Kenneth Booth October 23, 2020

Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has completed works on an innovative modular housing scheme in Grantham, which is the first of its kind in the region. Delivered for South Kesteven District Council, through the Scape Regional Construction framework, the scheme comprises two modular housing developments valued at a total of

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Work begins on long-awaited Poynton Relief Road

Kenneth Booth October 23, 2020

Work has now begun on the long-awaited £53m Poynton Relief Road. Local residents have welcomed the news, which following decades of campaigning to ease the burden of high traffic volumes and congestion in Poynton. Cheshire East Council’s contractor, Graham, is undertaking enabling works to clear parts of the site and

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Latest Issue
Issue 344 : Sep 2026

Kenneth Booth

STORY HOMES AND STORY CONTRACTING DONATE OVER £28,000 TO MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY MIND

Kenneth Booth October 26, 2020

Story Homes and Story Contracting have joined forces to raise more than £28,000 for mental health charity Mind. Over the past two years, the companies selected Mind as their charity partner, with all staff and business fundraising going to this worthwhile organisation. Staff across the two businesses carried out various fundraising activities to raise money for the charity – from sporting challenges and bake sales, to raffles and pub quizzes. Following the sizable monetary donation, the businesses – which were both founded by Fred Story – are delighted to announce that they will extend their charity partnership with Mind, dedicating colleague and company fundraising to the mental health organisation. Mind provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and the funds raised by Homes and Contracting will be divided between the local Mind branches in each of the companies’ operational regions – including Carlisle, Newcastle, Lancashire, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Scotland. Fred Story, founder of both businesses, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Mind. Working within construction, we understand the importance of improving mental health and we are dedicated to ensuring that nobody suffers in silence. There can be a certain stigma associated with mental health and wellbeing, especially in young men, but it is a subject that we need to continue to talk about and ensure that we have the right support networks in place across our two businesses.” Tara Quinn, CEO of Carlisle Eden Mind, said: “Once again, Carlisle Eden Mind are excited to have the support of Story Homes and Story Contracting particularly in a time of great uncertainty. We would like to thank both organisations for their much-needed contributions and every penny, as always, will go towards those we are here to help and support.” Tommy McIlravey, CEO of Lancashire Mind, said: “On behalf of everyone at Lancashire Mind, and those who access our services, I would like to thank Story Homes and Story Contracting for this generous donation and their ongoing support. Given the times we find ourselves in donations such as this mean more than ever to Lancashire Mind and enable us to continue to work with individuals and communities across the county.” These are just a few of the worrying statistics about mental health within the construction industry: A construction worker is more likely to die of suicide than a fall from height Males working in skilled trades have a 35% higher risk of suicide than the male national average Every year over 400 construction workers commit suicide The risk of suicide among male labourers is three times higher than the male national average 55% of workers have experienced mental health issues in their lives Almost half of women working in the sector are dealing with poor mental health

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What does the future of green housing look like?

Kenneth Booth October 26, 2020

With greater societal focus on the issue of climate change, the pressure is on governments, businesses and other key decision makers to react and introduce initiatives that will contribute towards a greener planet. The UK government, for its part, has taken steps to address the impact our lifestyles have on the environment. In June 2019, it passed a law targeting zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. That means businesses across all sectors will have to come up with pioneering ideas that promote a more eco-friendly world. There are already several examples of innovations that have proved a success – such as the BedZED development in London – and there are plenty more plans in the pipeline when it comes to housing. These range from revolutionary, eco-friendly home designs to further government initiatives, such as the one launched by the Housing Secretary in October 2019. So, what does the future of green homes look like in this country? Stronger regulations When it comes to new-build properties, there will be changes introduced to the regulations that encourage a reduced level of carbon emissions and lower bills. The idea is that new technologies utilise renewable and sustainable energy sources while improving heating efficiency and reducing waste. That’s good news both for our planet and the millions now working remotely from home offices, living rooms and kitchens due to the coronavirus pandemic. Heat pumps Heat pumps are one of the new technologies being introduced as a more eco-friendly way to warm our homes. Rather than burning fossil fuels and emitting harmful greenhouse gases, they work by extracting latent heat from the air, ground or natural sources of water. That is then used to heat an element, which transfers it to a coolant which is compressed until it gains sufficient temperature to heat water in our homes. Underfloor heating There are also new methods of underfloor and wall heating being developed which use the energy from solar panels. The system works by laying conductive copper strips. These strips are then coated in conductive and magnetically dielectric paint before being connected, providing heat to the floor and walls in lieu of radiators. And, with further technological advances sure to come, Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick has called on everybody to do their part to ensure a greener future for all: “Building new homes isn’t just about bricks and mortar, I want to ensure everyone – including developers – do their bit to protect the environment and give the next generation beautiful, environmentally friendly homes that local communities can support.”

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Top 5 Applications of Tempered Glass That Homeowners Love Most

Kenneth Booth October 26, 2020

Toughened glass is a great material to incorporate into your home interior. It provides any living space with the same visual appeal and elegance as standard glass, plus the added safety benefits. In addition to that, it’s incredibly versatile and suits a large range of uses, from home furniture to household appliances. So, here are the top 5 applications of tempered glass that homeowners love most. Overview of Tempered Glass Tempering process Tempered or toughened glass is an incredibly strong type of glass that undergoes a process of chemical and thermal treatments. This process is called tempering and it’s what gives this type of glass its unique composition. So, in the tempering furnace, glass is heated until it reaches a uniform temperature of 700 degrees Celsius. Then, the glass is subjected to rapid cooling, exiting the furnace. The cooling part usually consists of a blast of cold air on both sides of the glass at the same time. This treatment leaves the center of the glass in a state of tension while the surface remains in compression. In this regard, the core tension is what determines the pattern the glass will break-in. On the other hand, the compression on the surface is what gives the glass its strength. Characteristics of tempered/toughened glass It’s four to five times stronger than standard glass. Due to the process of tempering, the glass has much higher thermal strength. This means that it can withstand temperatures as high as 250 degrees Celsius. It’s a safety-approved type of glass since it doesn’t break and shatter into sharp fragments. Toughened glass is highly impact-resistant. It has the same properties as standard glass in terms of light and heat transmission. It also cannot be cut or altered after tempering otherwise that will cause a fracture. So, any resizing or cutting should occur before the glass undergoes these treatments. Key benefits Tempered glass cut to size is largely popular in use because it provides cutting edge benefits compared to other traditional types of glass. Strength: the tempering process renders the glass five times tougher than the standard. This means that the glass is less likely to break or shatter due to any low to medium impact incidents. The robust composition of toughened glass also entails that it withstands extreme temperature fluctuations really well. Not only that but it makes it much more durable so it has a longer lifespan. Safety: if your household includes pets or children, then toughened glass is the ideal option to use. Its enhanced safety features will help prevent the risk of being injured in case of breakage. If toughened glass cracks and breaks, it will do so in small round pebbles. So, it will be harmless to the touch, and the subsequent cleanup won’t be dangerous. Impact resistance: the high reliability of this material makes it incredibly impact resistant. So not only is it less likely to fracture into big shards with sharp edges, but it’s also more scratch-resistant. Besides regular cleaning, there will be no additional maintenance to get rid of flaws and blemishes that scratches can cause. Tempered Glass railing System Toughened glass is the ideal material to use in railing systems. Whether it be in balconies, decks, porches, indoors, or in public settings such as schools, shopping malls, and hospitals. Its commendable safety features combined with the strength and durability it provides offer a much-needed level of protection. Such properties ensure that the glass can withstand a lot of wear and tear as well as any potential impacts. Not just that, but the transparency of glass also provides the luxury of an unobstructed view. A perk that other traditional railing systems simply cannot compete with. Tempered Glass Tabletops Toughened glass is widely popular in furniture, particularly tabletops. Whether it’s a patio table, a dining table, or a conference room table, this material is both functional and elegant. It’s thick and durable enough to withstand the weathering that comes with daily use. In addition to that, it’s customizable and comes in a large range of designs and colors. So, you get plenty of options to choose from. Not to mention how versatile glass is as a material since it will flawlessly blend into any interior decor. Large tempered glass windows Windows are the second most common entry points in your home. So, you want to make sure you take all safety precautions to protect your house from burglars. Toughened glass windows can do just that. It comes in handy and it will provide you with safety, enhanced home security, all with a beautiful design. It’s four to five times stronger than other traditional types of glass and it’s meticulously designed to withstand impact. So, you can have full confidence in the protective barrier they provide. In addition to that, the difficulty of fracturing this type of glass will most definitely deter intruders from breaking in. Toughened glass can be a great base material to your windows, especially if you live in high traffic areas. That and if you have really large windows. Tempered Glass Frameless Shower doors Shower rooms and bathrooms can look cramped and cluttered very easily. This is why interior designers and architects mostly rely on glass in furnishing a lot of contemporary homes. And that includes bathrooms. With that said, you can’t get away with using any type of glass. Particularly when you stop to consider how hot and steamy showers tend to get. For that reason, you need to get thick and strong glass shower doors that can withstand those temperature fluctuations. Toughened glass is not only the ideal option for that but it also offers the added benefit of safety. Since frameless shower doors don’t have the kind of support that framed ones do, the glass panes need to be much thicker. So, in the event that your shower door cracks and breaks, there will be no sharp edges or hazardous shards. Tempered Glass Shelves Glass shelves are a common commodity amongst homes and public settings

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Quick Guide to Buying a Fixer-Upper in Australia

Kenneth Booth October 26, 2020

A fixer-upper can be an excellent compromise for people who want control over their home design but lack time to build from scratch. An added benefit is that it gives you the option of moving into a neighborhood you prefer. Additionally, a fixer-upper sells for a much lower price than a new or updated home. Yet, even with all these benefits, choosing one can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for. Here’s what you should know. Calculate the Pricing The real hurdle with buying a fixer-upper is determining the hidden costs that it will carry. Though the initial offer price may be deceptive, you may find yourself saddled with unexpected costs as the process continues. Start by checking the pricing of houses available on the market. As you already have a style and aesthetic in mind, you can focus on homes that fit your specs. There is a variety of new home designs Perth offers that you can look into. A fixer-upper tends to cost much less than a ready home. For instance, for a $210,000 new home, you can find a $150,000 fixer-upper in the same neighborhood. If the cost of renovations will significantly surpass the cost of buying a new home, it might be wise to rethink settling on a fixer-upper.  Home Inspections If you’ve spotted a fixer-upper you’d consider buying, be sure to get all the necessary home inspections done. The last thing you want is to discover structural issues after you’ve started renovations. There are several essential inspections you need to do, but that will save you future headaches. You can obtain a home warranty at the seller’s cost. It protects you if things start breaking right after the purchase. Pest inspection checks for damage from termites, ants, or other insects. Sewer lines tend to age with the property, so it’s vital to get them and the septic tanks checked. Roof certifications provide the age and condition of the roof. Finally, the engineering report helps you understand any natural hazards that relate to the property.  Drawing the Line Ultimately, you’ll need to be honest with yourself and understand where to draw the line. An excellent pointer to determine whether a fixer-upper is worth it is the nature of renovations. You can differentiate easy fixes from more complicated and expensive ones. Easy fixes are usually cosmetic: fixing broken windows, replacing doors, laying tiles, painting, and the like.  Expensive fixes involve construction: remodeling bathrooms, replacing plumbing, and reroofing. If the fixer-upper you’ve found has more structural fixes than cosmetic ones, it might be wiser to let it go. Additionally, know how far to go with the renovations in case you plan to sell. Going overboard in a neighborhood with low property value may mean that you never recover the cost of your investment.  Using a Buyer’s Agent Using a buyers agent when purchasing a fixer-upper can make a world of difference. Buyers agents have extensive knowledge of the local market and can help you find undervalued properties with renovation potential. They’ll also guide you through the negotiation process, ensuring you pay a fair price by factoring in renovation costs. In addition, they have connections to trusted contractors, inspectors, and architects who can provide estimates and advice, making it easier to assess the true cost of repairs. A buyers agent is your advocate, helping you avoid hidden pitfalls and make informed decisions throughout the process. Fixer-Upper or New? Deciding whether to settle on a fixer-upper comes down to weighing the scales. If all the factors make sense, then go right ahead and turn that fixer-upper into the house of your dreams. If not, take your time, save a bit more and buy yourself a new home, or even build one that meets your lifestyle needs.

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UK sales of £1m-plus homes jump

Kenneth Booth October 25, 2020

Sales of £1m-plus homes have surged since lockdown as affluent buyers look for more space and lifestyle change, with two-thirds more deals agreed in the past four months than in the same period last year. An average of 868 £1m-plus sales have been agreed each week since the beginning of June, 66% higher than the weekly average of 522 over the same period in 2019, new data from Savills and TwentyCi show. Despite the key spring market weeks being all but lost to the lockdown, when sales fell to just 69 in the week ending 19 April, a total of 23,000 sales were agreed in the first three quarters of 2020, 16% higher than in 2019. Lucian Cook, Savills head of residential research, who ran the analysis, says, “This points to a rebalancing of the market between London and the rest of the country. Whereas sales in London rose by 4% in the first nine months of the year, they are up 27% across the rest of the UK, albeit London still accounts for over four in 10 sales with a £1m-plus price tag. The South East has seen the biggest surge in absolute numbers, with sales rising 28% to 6,560. The South West saw sales rise 38% to 2,022, while in Yorkshire and The Humber volumes were up 44% to 341 agreed sales, albeit absolute numbers of millionaire house sales remain much lower. £1m+ agreed sales year to end Sept 2019 2020 Increase 2020 v 2019 London 9066 9403 4% South East 5128 6560 28% East of England 1997 2469 24% South West 1466 2022 38% West Midlands 416 560 35% North West 480 538 12% Yorkshire and The Humber 236 341 44% East Midlands 269 341 27% Scotland 177 152 -14%* Wales 89 106 19% North East 63 72 14% Northern Ireland 21 22 5% Total 19,408 22,586 16% Source: Savills research using TwentyCi (*The Scottish housing market reopened 4 weeks later, hence the lower figure) “Lifestyle relocation has been a big theme in the market since lockdown began to ease, and this is very clearly reflected in the numbers,” says Cook. “Relocation and staycation locations such as the Cotswolds (+94%), South Oxfordshire (+78%), Dorset (+69%), Cornwall (+66%) and Wiltshire (+66%) have been standout performers. And for London leavers looking for a less dramatic lifestyle shift, and a more accessible commute, uber-towns such as Tunbridge Wells (+58%), Guildford (+42%) and Winchester (+40%) have proved popular.” In the UK capital, travel restrictions have limited overseas demand in the most central boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea, the city of Westminster and Camden, where £1m-plus volumes were down 10% year on year, but leafier outer London boroughs benefitted from the search for more space both inside and out. As a clear illustration of this, the mantle for the highest number of £1m-plus sales for a single local authority has passed to Wandsworth, where over 1,000 sales were agreed to primarily domestic buyers in the first nine months of the year, up 17% on 2019. “By the year end we now expect the number of £1m-plus sales agreed to exceed 2019 volumes – a performance nobody could have anticipated in the depths of lockdown,” says Cook. “That said, recent evidence suggests fewer high value homes are now coming to the market, suggesting we may be hitting a high plateau. “For many the challenge is now in getting deals through to completion by Christmas, after which point eyes will be on beating the March 31 stamp duty holiday deadline in order to benefit from the maximum £15,000 saving for those buying at this end of the market.”

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How To Find The Right Psychologist.

Kenneth Booth October 25, 2020

What do you do when you want to improve your inner self? Visiting a psychologist is a great way to help you deal with some of the problems that you are facing in life. Life is never a straight line. Every single day you will have to face challenges, some of which might overwhelm you. You might be dealing with relationship issues, family issues, or other social issues. Having someone to talk to is a great way to help you share your experiences and find solutions. When you lack someone you can share your problems with, the weight of the issues might overwhelm you, causing you to get anxiety and depression. Since you will be trusting a stranger with your deep secrets, it is always advisable to find a psychologist that can be trusted. You don’t want to share your life experiences with someone who isn’t professional. Knowing how to choose a psychologist will help you get a reliable confidant. Choosing to find some help is hard enough. You shouldn’t have a tough time getting the right therapist. Below are tips for finding the right psychologist. Experience. One thing that should be on top of your list is the level of experience that the psychologist has. You want to work with someone that has been in the industry for some time. An experienced psychologist will have more knowledge and skills on how to handle your issues. It would be best if you looked for a psychologist that has experience in handling your case. Note that psychologists specialize in different areas, such as addiction, anxiety, and eating disorders. If you have an anxiety issue, you need to look for psychologists who handle anxiety. Asking about the psychologist’s specialization areas and their experience will enable you to make the right choice. When you hire one with years of experience, you are guaranteed quality services because they won’t waste your time trying to find treatment options for you. They already know what the diagnosis is and will find a way to tweak it to suit you better. Ask For Referrals. Another easy way to find a reputable psychologist is by asking for referrals. When you ask for recommendations, it will be easier because you won’t have to do a lot of research. You can start by asking your primary care doctor for a referral. Usually, doctors will know of reputable psychologists that they can recommend. With this, you are sure to receive excellent services. When you get a list of referrals, take some time to research the psychologist’s credentials online. If they have a website, check to see what they have published online. Do they have a review section? If they do, go through to see what some of the previous and current clients have to say about their services. If you notice that many clients have given positive reviews, you should consider them. Avoid psychologists with negative reviews since clients cannot give negative reviews without any reason. After researching about the psychologists online, narrow down your list to remain with the potential ones. Proceed to call them to make a physical appointment. Consider Gender. It is crucial to consider the gender of the psychologist before making your final decision. It would help if you felt comfortable with the gender of the psychologist because, at some point, you will have to open up and discuss your personal information. If, for any reason, you have a problem with a particular gender, opt for the opposite gender. The issue of gender is crucial; a reason you cannot afford to dismiss it. Ask the psychologist about their training and experience related to your issue and your gender. If they are well conversant with dealing with your gender, you should hire them. It is also essential to listen to your instincts. If you don’t feel safe around the therapist for some reason, you should not hire them. It doesn’t matter whether the psychologist looks good on paper. Your instincts will always direct you on what is right. Here is how you can find highly skilled psychologists team in Newcastle who uses tried and tested strategies and interventions to help children and families live a brighter life. Always remember that your comfort should be your priority in any psychology session. Trust your gut before making the final decision. Psychologists are essential people in the community because they help individuals deal with their problems and approach life positively. If you want to find a reputable one, consider the factors above. You won’t regret it…

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Immediate evacuation orders for Housing association estate over building safety fears

Kenneth Booth October 23, 2020

One of London’s largest housing associations is to undertake a comprehensive safety review across a six-block residential development following expert advice that the construction of the buildings may be putting around 1,000 residents at risk. Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) asked all residents living in the Paragon Estate to leave immediately in order to protect their health and safety while further investigative work is undertaken. NHG said that it would ensure that all residents living in the Paragon Estate were able to access safe alternative accommodation this week. It will also work with residents to find a longer-term solution to their housing needs where necessary. The further investigations will establish the full extent of the structural and fire safety issues that have been uncovered at the development and identify next steps. Earlier building performance issues, together with fire safety issues related to the cladding and the subsequent new government guidance since the fire at Grenfell Tower, triggered a series of safety checks at Paragon, undertaken by technical consultants, which have each revealed further problems with this development. Notting Hill Genesis said the action it has taken to address these risks as they have arisen, include establishing waking watches and temporary alarms, and introducing simultaneous evacuation procedures, but the latest advice has prompted the group to act in order to protect its residents. Kate Davies, group chief executive of Notting Hill Genesis, said: “First, I want to say how sorry we are to residents that we have had to take this action and disrupt their lives. But, as a not-for-profit housing association, our priority is to provide safe, affordable housing. We always ensure the wellbeing of our residents, so while we are incredibly disappointed to have to make this decision, we believe that we have no choice but to ask people to leave their homes on the Paragon estate. “I understand that Paragon residents may feel angry or alarmed by this news, as they have every right to be. This is a very distressing time and we are genuinely sorry for the huge amount of disruption and uncertainty that this situation will cause. “This is a complex situation and we don’t yet have all the answers. We are working to uncover the full extent of the issues at Paragon so that we can provide residents with clarity about timescales, next steps and options as quickly as possible. “We are doing all we can to support people who live in Paragon through this difficult situation. We have identified safe accommodation for everyone to move into this week and are providing financial as well as mental health and wellbeing support to help them do that. We are also giving everyone a dedicated caseworker to discuss their specific needs both now and for the longer-term where necessary.” Paragon is a development of six blocks containing a total of 1,059 homes in Brentford, Hounslow. It was developed by Berkeley First, part of The Berkeley Group plc. The estate was owned initially by the former Presentation Housing Association, which became part of Notting Hill Housing – now Notting Hill Genesis – in 2009. Notting Hill Housing group, which became part of Notting Hill Genesis group in 2018, acquired Paragon in 2009. The six blocks consist of the following: Block A – a five-storey building consisting of 41 units of intermediate market rent. Block B – three interconnected buildings of four, five and nine storeys with 107 shared ownership leasehold units and 72 intermediate rent. Blocks C, D, E and F – 17, 12, 12 and five-storeys respectively, hold a combined 839 units of student accommodation which is occupied by students nominated by the University of West London. There is no suggestion that any other buildings in the Notting Hill Genesis portfolio will require a similar approach to the one being taken at Paragon. Buildings are being investigated and prioritised based on factors such as height, external materials used and evacuation procedure, and residents informed if further investigation or remedial work is required. Where necessary, and in consultation with fire safety assessors, interim safety measures such as simultaneous evacuation procedures, supported by 24-hour patrols and temporary alarms are in place.

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Esri UK signs partnership with drone hardware specialist Heliguy to create end-to-end drone solution for AEC

Kenneth Booth October 23, 2020

Hardware and software combination gives organisations one-stop drone solution Esri UK today announced a new partnership with drone specialists Heliguy to complete its end-to-end drone solution designed for the AEC industry. The final piece in Esri UK’s strategy to offer all parts of the drone workflow, the partnership will provide customers with drone hardware, pilot training and flying services from Heliguy, adding to Esri’s existing drone flight planning, data capture, data processing and GIS software. Containing these processes in one solution provides users with a more cost-effective workflow and saves time. The new partnership aims to streamline current processes, from drone management and data capture, through to data analysis and better sharing of outputs across a business, including integration with BIM and CAD workflows. Current Esri drone software customers include Skanska Norway, Arcadis and PCL Construction in North America, while UAV specialist Heliguy manages some of Europe’s largest drone programmes, working with Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Network Rail. “Esri has invested heavily in creating its drone technology and this new relationship completes the picture in the UK. By providing a single source of hardware and software, the partnership will help customers maximise their investment in drones and GIS,” said Craig Evenden, Head of AEC & BIM at Esri UK. “As drone usage grows, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, the AEC community is demanding more integrated programmes that can easily grow across their business. Heliguy’s vast experience and training capabilities, coupled with Esri’s cloud-based drone and GIS software are a perfect match for the AEC industry’s new enterprise requirements.” Through the new partnership, Esri UK and Heliguy will work on joint projects, aiming to introduce new and more efficient workflows by bringing together customers’ GIS and Survey teams who have traditionally worked separately on drone-related projects. “The AEC drone industry is still in its infancy which sees many piecemeal projects with no proper joined-up internal approach, which leads to failure,” commented Ruairi Hardman, Heliguy’s Business Development Manager. “Internal drone programmes that can scale across a business are a fairly new phenomenon and these are what we look forward to delivering alongside Esri UK. Robust, standardised drone workflows, designed for the long-term, can lead to 1-2% efficiency gains which translates into millions of pounds on large-scale construction projects.”  AEC organisations use Esri’s GIS software to help plan, design, build and maintain smarter buildings and infrastructure. Esri UK customers include Arcadis, Mott MacDonald, Costain, Crossrail, the Skanska, Costain and STRABAG Joint Venture and Highways England. Esri UK and Heliguy are holding a joint webinar on 19 November 2020 at 3.00-4.00pm, to discuss how the new partnership helps meet AEC challenges and improve workflows.  For more information and registration please visit: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/502669636526713612?source=pr

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Innovative modular housing scheme completes in Lincolnshire

Kenneth Booth October 23, 2020

Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has completed works on an innovative modular housing scheme in Grantham, which is the first of its kind in the region. Delivered for South Kesteven District Council, through the Scape Regional Construction framework, the scheme comprises two modular housing developments valued at a total of £2.1m, which will provide critical social housing to meet the current requirements of the local authority. Works commenced at the two developments – Kinoulton Court and Earlesfield Lane – late last year and the plots were completed in summer. The 2,200 sq. ft. Earlesfield development comprises a block of four one-bedroom semi-detached apartments and Kinoulton Court is a 5,400 sq. ft. housing development comprising 10 one-bedroom apartments split into two blocks – one of which has four one-bedroom apartments and the other, six one-bedroom apartments. Delivered by lorry to site, the houses were fitted onto prepared foundations which include functioning pipe works and electrics. This process ensures that time is saved at the construction stage, with 10 weeks of programme time being saved for this particular scheme, compared to traditional methods. Works on both South Kesteven plots involved clearance of the sites – as Earlesfield was a small car park and Kinoulton Court, underutilised land. Prior to the installation of the modular units by supply chain partner, Premier Modular Ltd, a full enabling groundworks package was required for each plot with foundations, drainage and a protective ground gas membrane. The homes were then roofed and cladded on site, before external works were undertaken to each property including fenced boundaries, landscaped gardens, carparking and footpaths. External elevations were fitted with insulation and brick slips, and all internal finishes were completed by Premier Modular Ltd including UPVC glazing, mechanical and electrical works, plastering, decorations, flooring and commissioning. The traditional timber truss roofs and slate tiling was completed on site due to restrictions with transporting overly large modular building sections through the narrow residential streets. Craig Stopper, framework manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are pleased to have delivered this critical modular housing scheme in the region, to facilitate the fundamental need for social housing for South Kesteven District Council. “The modular housing plots were completed on-time and to a high standard which is a testament to our project teams and local supply chain partners, who have quickly adapted to the new guidelines which have been introduced as a result of the pandemic, to ensure safe working and social distancing on site. “We are certainly seeing an increase in the demand for modular construction as an energy efficient, comprehensive solution for social housing, that provides high-quality, affordable, easily accessible and adaptable accommodation. As modular sites are relatively unaffected by environmental delays such as bad weather – less logistical transport is required for materials which is more environmentally friendly and generates less waste.” SKDC Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Robert Reid, said: “We are building new homes in a range of different ways and the modular housing project is unique for us in that it has not been a traditional on-site build. “These are ambitious new-style developments providing homes for those who need them most and I am delighted to say both modular housing plots are fully occupied. We are creating a better quality of life for our residents, which is part of our vision for the future of this district.” Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “The UK’s housing shortage needs to be addressed with speed and efficiency, so it’s exciting to see G F Tomlinson and South Kesteven District Council using our Regional Construction framework and innovative modular construction methods to do just that. We take great pride in helping them to deliver a regional first strategy that will be of huge benefit to local communities.”

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Work begins on long-awaited Poynton Relief Road

Kenneth Booth October 23, 2020

Work has now begun on the long-awaited £53m Poynton Relief Road. Local residents have welcomed the news, which following decades of campaigning to ease the burden of high traffic volumes and congestion in Poynton. Cheshire East Council’s contractor, Graham, is undertaking enabling works to clear parts of the site and prepare the ground for construction. The design and build contract was awarded in autumn 2019 to Graham, who have been undertaking detailed design and site surveys, including ecological surveys and the creation of new ecological habitat. The 3km road is expected to open to traffic in Autumn 2022. Funding for the £53m scheme was agreed by government earlier this year, following a successful bid by the council for local growth funding administered by the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership. Poynton Relief Road will be a modern single carriageway. The relief road will also include two overbridge crossings for use by walkers, cyclists and farm vehicles. A 3.5-metre-wide combined cycle and footway will run beside the length of the route on the western side of the main carriageway. Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council said, “I am delighted that work has now begun on the long-awaited Poynton Relief Road. The council sees this scheme as a key priority in our major infrastructure plans to improve connections across the whole borough. “The Poynton Relief Road is a critical part of delivering our vision for sustainable economic growth and is another great example of how this council delivers high-quality infrastructure projects. It will create jobs, address the longstanding problems of congestion in and around Poynton and improve access to Macclesfield and other key strategic employment and visitor sites.” Transport Secretary, with cabinet responsibility for the Northern Powerhouse, Grant Shapps said: “It’s great to see work begin on yet another vital road upgrade in the North, delivering for the Northern Powerhouse and on our levelling-up commitment. This new road will cut congestion and pollution in Poynton, improve access to job opportunities and education and unlock plans for thousands of homes – benefiting residents, businesses and the wider region.” Leo Martin, managing director of civil engineering for Graham, said: “We are looking forward to beginning works on the new Poynton Relief Road and working with Cheshire East Council to develop this vital infrastructure for the village and wider region. “As well as reducing congestion in Poynton we will be providing a 3.5m-wide footpath and cycleway that will support cyclists and pedestrians as a greener option for travel. “I’ve no doubt this project will provide vast benefits to the Poynton and Macclesfield areas and will be the latest in a number of important transport infrastructure schemes we have been proud to deliver in recent years.” Cheshire East Council contributed £21m towards the cost of the scheme with Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership providing £5.6m from the government’s Growth Deal and the Department for Transport providing £16.4m. A total of £7.7m is expected to come from developer contributions. For more information on the Poynton Relief Road and to read the latest updates, visit our website.

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